Typically clustered but also solitary, in mixed hardwood/conifer woods; common under Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii); fruiting from early to mid-winter.

Edibility

Edible, but of little value, slimy.

Comments

This cousin of the common pine spike, Chroogomphus vinicolor,
is recognized by a viscid to glutinous cap, often spotted black in age, conspicuously decurrent, gills, and a yellow stipe base. Gomphidius glutinosus is very similar but tends to be more solitary in its fruiting and has a stipe that is usually not as deeply buried in the substrate. A check of spore size, however, is often required to confirm an identification. Fortunately the spores of the two species are easily told apart, those of Gomphidius oregonensis several microns shorter than G. glutinosus. Another species found in our area, Gomphidius subroseus, has a cap, which as the species name suggests, has rose-pink tones.